HELICASE

A SCL (LS) Production

Issue #03 March 2004

NAPFA test

Journalist Edwin with two sweet ladies (Yumin & Shaobing)
 who have smiled their way to NAPFA Gold Awards.

The NAPFA test, taken by graduating students annually, puts their fitness to the test. It acts as a gauge, to measure a person’s standard of physical fitness and also in a way, campaigns for a sporty, healthy lifestyle. The Helicase team spoke to 2 third year students, Ho Yumin (MB0103) and Fong Shaobing (MB0104), who have managed to get Gold awards in the recent NAPFA test.

          Don't you just love the tracks?            

1.    How did you all prepare yourselves for the NAPFA test?

Yumin: 

We didn’t really prepare ourselves much physically, because we had attachment work everyday from 9am to 6pm. There  was no time and we were really exhausted after our attachment each day. I was actually quite surprised that I actually made it, because we were so out of touch with it. The most we could do was practice a little bit at home, doing sit-ups and getting mentally prepared for the test. 

Shaobing:

In the beginning, when the test date was released, we started training a bit. As we had our attachment and project commitments then, there was really no time to train much. The most we could do was to come back to school once or twice a week to run. And during the weekends, I go to the Bukit Batok Nature Reserve to train, where there are markings on the track for runners to gauge the distance.

  And who said running around the coconut tree doesn't help?

2.    Which segment of the test do you think was the most physically/ mentally intensive?

Yumin: 

The 2.4-km Run, as it is not just about running or working out, you have to endure the pain. It’s a stamina thing. It’s not just simple jogging, but reaching the end-line and it really makes you just want to get over and done with. We were quite thankful that the lecturers came down to give support. Our director, Dr Joel Lee even wanted to run together with us, however he couldn’t, as he had a bad ankle.

Shaobing:

I think for me, it would have to be Sit & Reach and the 2.4-km Run. For the Sit & Reach segment, as I don’t do stretching very often since young, it seemed rather hard to do well in it. And as for the 2.4-km Run, I’m actually more of a short distance runner so I tire more easily. And yes, I must also thank the lecturers and the director who came down to the school track to support us during the 2.4-km Run.

3.  How do you think the NAPFA test has helped in assessing your physical fitness level?

Yumin:

Prior to the NAPFA test, I didn’t have the confidence to do that well, since I’ve been out of touch with it for such a long time. I didn’t really know my standard, as we did not have Physical Education in a long time to maintain our fitness. But with the NAPFA test, it sorts of maintain our level of fitness. 

Shaobing:
It’s like after two years without training much constantly, I didn’t really know where my standard was. With the NAPFA test, it inspires me in a certain way to exercise more often, proving to myself that I’m not getting older. *laughs*

4.    Why do you think the NAPFA test is important? 

Yumin:

It is important, as it helps test your threshold level to a certain extent. And it tests you physically as well as mentally, making sure that Singaporeans stay fit. 

Shaobing:

As SCL has made it compulsory for both the guys and the girls to take the test, I feel this is good and important in a way. It is just like a healthy lifestyle campaign, getting the school together to participate in activities outside of the curriculum. And because of that, it unifies the school. For example, prior the the test, we organized running sessions together, thus promoting inter-group activities, and motivating one another at the same time.

"Ok...Lets flash our pearly smiles and hide our tiredness"

5.    Any advice you want to give to your juniors on how they can do well for the NAPFA? 

Yumin: 

Stamina-wise, exercise and train early and consistently, if your really want to achieve your goal. As they say, practice makes perfect. Especially for the 2.4-km Run, DON’T give up halfway, make sure you complete the race. 

Shaobing: 

Organise after-school training sessions. Make use of the school facilities as they are really well-equipped for training. Do start early, not just one week before. Aim high to prepare yourselves mentally and most of the time, you can attain your goal. And most importantly, know your body and your limits, don’t push too hard, if not it would be detrimental to your health. 

The helicase team once again would like to congratulate Yumin and Shaobing for their well-deserved performance in the recent NAPFA test and would like to thank them for sharing their experiences with the students of SCL.

"Aim as high as possible and do the best you can...Then, of course you'll start to look as crazy as us!"

Edwin Ng
Helicase news correspondent
School of Chemical & Life Sciences (LS)
Nanyang Polytechnic